Carolina Panthers vs. Dallas Cowboys, 9/9/18 Week 1 Predictions

Panthers vs. Cowboys Spread Prediction

Two banged-up teams will square off in Charlotte on Sunday when the Carolina Panthers host the Dallas Cowboys at 4:25 p.m. ET. Will the Panthers cover the small spread as a home favorite or will the Cowboys cash as the road dog?

Game Snapshot

473 Dallas Cowboys at 474 Carolina Panthers

4:25 p.m. ET, Sunday, September 9, 2018

Bank of America Stadium, Charlotte, North Carolina

Public Betting Trends

According to oddsmakers from online sports book BetNow.eu, the Panthers are 3-point favorites to beat the Cowboys. The total, meanwhile, sits at 42 points. As of this writing, 72% of the public betting tickets are on the Panthers to cover the point spread.

Dallas Cowboys

Cowboys C Travis Frederick (illness) is out for Week 1 against the Panthers. As expected. Frederick hasn't practiced since being diagnosed with Guillain-Barre Syndrome last month. There's no timetable for his return. DT Datone Jones (knee) and S Xavier Woods (hamstring) have also been ruled out for Sunday while CB Chidobe Awuzie (back) and S Kavon Frazier (shoulder) are both questionable.

Carolina Panthers

According to NFL Network's Ian Rapoport, Panthers RT Daryl Williams (questionable, knee) is "looking good to play" Week 1 against the Cowboys. At one point it appeared Williams would be headed to IR following a dislocated knee cap, but somehow he was able to return in only six weeks. He'll test out his knee in pre-game warmups to make sure, but all signs point to Williams getting the start at right tackle. That's great news for Cam Newton.

NFL Betting Trends

Dallas

The Cowboys are 5-1-1 against the spread in their last seven road games.

Carolina

The Panthers have covered the number in four of their last five games overall.

Prediction

I think the Panthers will be overvalued this season but this is one spot where I feel comfortable laying the points with Carolina. Both teams are banged up but the Cowboys will be without their starting center, which impacts the entire offense. Dallas is weak at receiver and its defense is once again a question mark. While I see the Panthers taking a step back this season, they should win and cover today.

 

NFL Preseason Prediction: Carolina Panthers -3